Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

Applying for a Teen Driver's License in Iowa

Getting a driver's license for the first time is an exciting and emotional time for any teen. If you're under
18 years old, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) requires you to go through the graduated driver's license (GDL) process in order to get your FIRST driver's license.

This page outlines the steps you need to take and the different types of permits you need before you can obtain your full, unrestricted driver's license.

New to Iowa?

If you're new to Iowa, you can transfer your out-of-state learner's permit, intermediate driver's license, or full driver's license to an Iowa learner's permit or driver's license.

To transfer your out-of-state permit or license for an
Iowa intermediate license, you must:

Be at least 16 years old.

Have held your out-of-state learner's permit or intermediate driver's license for the last 12 months.

Not have any accidents or moving violations on your out-of-state driving record for the last 12 months.

Have completed 10 hours of driving practice, including 2 hours at night.

Bring your
out-of-state permit or license to your local DOT driver licensing office, along with your parent or guardian to provide written consent. You'll need to pay the appropriate licensing fee (see below).

Iowa Graduated Driver's License Program

The number of accidents involving teen drivers is quite alarming. In an effort to minimize the risks associated with new drivers on the road, Iowa has implemented a GDL program, in which prospective teen drivers must meet certain milestones before obtaining a driver's license.

Many of these important milestones are age- and experience-related. If you're under
18 years old, you'll need to complete each of the following steps to obtain your full IA driver's license:

Instruction permit.

Driver's education.

Minor school license (optional).

Intermediate driver's license.

Full privilege driver's license.

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Age Requirements

Each stage of the GDL process has the following minimum age requirements:

Instruction permit/learner's permit: 14 years old.

Minor school license: 14 1/2 years old.

Intermediate license/provisional license: 16 years old.

Full privilege driver's license: 17 years old.

Iowa Learner's Permit

If you're at least 14 years old, you're eligible to apply for your instruction permit, also know as a learner's permit. Visit your local Iowa DOT office and:

Provide a primary form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For more information, visit the Iowa DOT website.

Before moving on to your full Iowa driver's license, you must completed 10 hours of supervised driving, including 2 hours between sunset and sunrise.

Don't Drive Distracted

Distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal accidents among young drivers. Help keep yourself and other safe by always keeping your eyes on the road. Learn more about the dangers of driving distracted in our Distracted Driving awareness section.

Full Unrestricted Iowa Driver's License

In Iowa, you can get your unrestricted Iowa driver's license if you're at least 17 years old and you:

Have held your intermediate license for the last 12 months.

Have a driving record free of incidents for the last 12 months.

Have written approval of parent/guardian.

Have met the required supervised driving time of 10 hours, with 2 hours between sunset and sunrise.

If you're 18 years old or older, you do not need to meet these requirements.